Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely amazing Past Review

By (Grinnell College) - abroad from 08/19/2018 to 11/28/2018 with

SIT Study Abroad: Iceland - Climate Change and the Arctic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It made me more confident in who I am and what I am capable of doing academically and socially. I also found what I want to continue studying and maybe make a career of.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was not very rigorous but we had interesting readings and I never didnt want to go to classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All but one of the hostels we stayed in were fantastic. I feel I was matched well with my host family.

* Food:

Breakfast was provided at all hostels, otherwise you have a stipend to buy or make your own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I only felt integrated with Icelandic culture during our 3-week homestay when we lived with and interacted with Icelandic families and learned a minuscule amount of the language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any health concerns, but others did and our directors were very helpful and supportive.

* Safety:

I was never concerned about my safety while in a group or alone.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It made learning fun again, and the research project made me more confident in my research, presentation, and communication skills. We also visited the most beautiful places I've ever seen.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

They gave us a stipend of somewhere between 1000 and 3000ISK per meal, and I never ran out of money.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Team up with other people to make lunch and/or dinner.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We had 4 language classes halfway through the semester, but everyone in Iceland speaks English so it was not a big deal.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Download Drops (a language app) if you want to learn words. So far I have not seen anything on grammar or forming sentences but it is a very difficult language to learn so don't stress too hard.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The other students and faculty
  • The excursions
  • Recharge from regular school
* What could be improved?
  • Don't take the boat to Grímsey
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been smarter at packing. I packed too many pants and one too many pairs of shoes. I also did not leave much room for souvenirs and mementos and such.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.